Slovak daily newspaper reports that Ministry of Defense is interested in F-16V. About 14 units should be purchased for value of at least EUR 2.0 Billion. The deal should be structured similarly to that of Bahrain.

Slovakia is considering few options, including sharing air force with the Czech Republic, purchasing JAS-39 (preferred option by our Prime Minister). We have a fleet of Mig-29AS, but they are serving above and beyond their planned service life. +

I sincerely do hope that we get F-16....I be happy for -CJs (Block 50). But I have also heard rumors that only AA weapons will be used (main purpose = air policing). That, frankly, is so disappointing. What's the point of getting Multi Purpose Fighter, when only 50% is being utilized?

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2018 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Slovakia of F-16 Block 70/72 V configuration aircraft for an estimated cost of $2.91 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 3, 2018.

WASHINGTON, Apr. 4, 2018 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Slovakia of F-16 Block 70/72 V configuration aircraft for an estimated cost of $2.91 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 3, 2018.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO partner that is an important force for ensuring peace and stability in Europe. The proposed sale will support Slovakia’s needs for its own self-defense and support NATO defense goals. Slovakia intends to use these F-16s to modernize its Air Force and strengthen its homeland defense.

Slovakia intends for these aircraft to replace its current fleet of MiG-29s. Slovakia's current fighters are not interoperable with U.S forces or regional allies. Purchase of the F-16V will provide Slovakia with fourth generation fighter aircraft capability that is interoperable with the United States and NATO.

The proposed sale of new F-l 6V's to Slovakia will not impact the regional balance of power.

The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. There are no known offset agreements in conjunction with this sale, however, we expect Slovakia to request some amount of industrial participation. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require assignment of a small number of U.S. Government representatives (less than 10) and a modest number of contractor representatives (less than 50) to Slovakia. It is likely that no permanent U.S. persons will actually be required in country.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

Slovakia has decided to purchase 14 new Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters to replace its Russian made MiG-29 jets.

The Slovakian Defence Ministry’s announcement Wednesday means the F-16 has beat out the Saab Gripen.

In a statement on the ministry’s website, Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said the U.S. jets were selected because they are “state-of-the-art modern machines,” and the ministry statement said the U.S. planes were cheaper according to an analysis done through 2040.

The Slovak Government has officially approved the purchase of the F-16! I am very happy and can say that my dream came true (well, let me say that once F-16 are delivered).

Articles are in Slovak language, however brief overview:

Total List price: EUR 1.589B

14 F-16 Block 70/72

I presume that it will be 12 Cs and 2Ds

This includes weapons/ammunition, training, logistical support

Delivery starts in 2023

Until then, Slovakia will utilize fleet of MiG-29AS/UBS (12 should be in a flyable condition, but I am very pessimistic. 3 are on a stby (they must be available); if we have 5 planes in flying condition I would consider that very good)

Last point is a subject of controversy, as the political opposition believes that some oligarchs will profit from regular maintenance on these planes (there are "exclusive" shady agreements with companies that import spare parts from the RF).